Information,
Support, and Referral:We provide information, support and
referral to families learning of their child's hearing loss.
In general, this means that we can discuss your concerns with
you, send you information related to different topics of interest,
and refer you to other organizations and information sources
that you may find helpful. Since 90% of children with hearing
loss are born to hearing parents, the news that their child
has a hearing loss can be overwhelming. In contrast, a deaf
child born to deaf parents can be a cause for celebration (See
section on Deaf Culture.) The majority of the families who will
be served through information and referral are hearing parents
who need assistance getting started in understanding hearing
loss and its implications for their child and family.
Parent-to-Parent
Connections: Families who are just learning about hearing
loss have many tough decisions to face. They normally come in
contact with teachers, audiologists, doctors, speech therapists
in their search for information. However, often times, a wonderful
resource is overlooked. Other parents who have already chosen
a course for their child can offer an incredible amount of support
and information to parents of newly diagnosed children. Their
experiences can help other families make their own decisions
by sharing what they liked, what they disliked about a certain
strategy, and what they would do differently, if they had the
chance. Our staff offers to put families in contact with other
more experienced families. If a family is uncertain as to what
communication choice they wish to pursue, we may suggest that
they talk with several different families; for example, some
who sign, some who cue, some who use oral language. That way,
the family has a chance to ask probing questions about that
choice.
Lending
Library: MN Hands & Voices has a wonderful collection
of books, videotapes, CD-ROM's, and games. Available free of
charge, some examples of topics include learning sign language
and cued speech, parenting, Deaf culture, history, cochlear
implants, and auditory training. The library is available to
browse on-line. The only
cost is the return postage, as there are no membership fees.
In addition, the library has a wide range of recent articles
about genetic counseling, self-esteem, and many other topics.
Social
and Educational Programs: MN Hands & Voices has been
pleased to collaborate with other agencies to make more social
and educational opportunities available to families. Lifetrack
Resources hosts educational workshops on a variety of topics.
We hope to vary the presentations to attract families who have
chosen different communication choices, as well as new families
or families with teens. Generally, childcare is provided at
no charge.
Please
visit our Current Events page
for more information.
